Anthony Shorris appointed to lead NYC Economic Development Corp., aims to boost affordability

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced significant changes within the city's Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), appointing Anthony Shorris as its new president. Shorris, who has declared his commitment to making the city more affordable by lowering living costs, brings over four decades of professional experience to the role.

According to an official city statement, Shorris has led some of the largest public and non-profit organizations in the United States. His extensive career includes serving in three different New York City administrations. Notably, under Mayor Ed Koch, Shorris developed a housing plan that facilitated the rehabilitation and construction of nearly 200,000 low-cost housing units.

During his tenure as first deputy mayor under Mayor Bill de Blasio, Shorris managed an annual budget of $100 billion and oversaw approximately 350,000 municipal employees across various agencies. He also served as the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and led investigations into tax fraud as commissioner of finance.

Mamdani has tasked Shorris with transforming the local economy to ensure economic progress benefits all working New Yorkers. Shorris is expected to leverage public land and city financing for community benefit, with a primary focus on boosting affordable housing. He will also work to create high-quality jobs in strategic sectors, aiming to reduce living costs in every borough. A key initiative includes coordinating the opening of five municipally managed supermarkets, one in each of the city's boroughs.

"I am honored to take on this role at a time when New York is asking important questions about who its economy benefits," Shorris stated at his press conference. "I look forward to working with businesses, unions, and communities to drive an economy that all New Yorkers can benefit from."